Bill for ‘smoother’ eviction of overstaying netas
NEW DELHI: The government moved one step closer to rid its limited living spaces of squatters, with the introduction of the Public Premises( Eviction ofUn authorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2017.
The changes to the law will ensure that ministers, MPs and bureaucrats don’t overstay in government bungalows once their term is over.
THE CHANGES WILL ENSURE MINISTERS, MPs AND BUREAUCRATS DON’T OVERSTAY IN GOVT BUNGALOWS ONCE THEIR TERM IS OVER
Among politicians, Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh is overstaying in an official bungalow for over two years. Besides ,70 officials continue to occupy gov- ernment houses two years after their tenure in Delhi ended or they retired. All of them have moved court and got a stay.
Under the rules, a former minister can hold onto his or her official accommodation for a month after demitting office. Once the stipulated time is over, the Union housing and urban affairs ministry takes about two months to initiate eviction proceedings.
“This gave ample time to squatters move district or high courts and get a stay de laying the whole process,” said an official.
The amendments will ensure that the ministry starts summary eviction proceeding within three days after the stipulated time given to a former MP or a retired official is over.
The clause to approach district court has also been removed. “It was an easy way to delay the process by getting a stay. Now, an un authorised occupant can move only the H Co rS C, which requires time. It can’t happen in three days,” said another official.